"Why'd You Do It?" - Were they trying to push a catch phrase?

[Ant-Lox]

Being an avid Frasier fan, from the early seasons, I lost interest around season 6, then picked up with the show for the final season.

I got back into the show through DVD, and Season's 9 & 10 feature a few "Why'd You Do It" moments, with Martin saying it a few times, I know Roz said it at least once.

It would be in response to Frasier, or someone doing something hurtful. I amn drawing a blank on exact episodes, but I know it was used at least 4 times.

My question is, were they trying to push a catch phrase into popularity? or was it an inside joke?

[bingbangbaby]

Originally Posted by Ant-Lox

My question is, were they trying to push a catch phrase into popularity? or was it an inside joke?

I wish I could remember the origin of that phrase, but I know it didn't originate on this show. I tried to google it but got nowhere. There's an old movie or an old TV show, possibly even an old TV commercial somewhere in which some kid-- can't remember who, except it was a little boy-- said it to some adult that he looked up to and was a role model for him after that adult did something that seemed disappointing and out of character. I can see the scene in my head (I think it's in black and white) and he says the phrase exactly as they say it on Frasier. I feel like the kid is saying it to either a sports figure or possibly a civil leader of some kind, like a mayor or a sheriff or something? To George Reeves as the original Superman? Opie to Andy? One of the Lil Rascals? I don't know. I need to ask an older person, I betcha they'll remember where it came from. Anyway, it's sort of a pop culture thing, and I think that's what they were referencing when they used that line, and uttered it just the same way.

[Pat]

But that was a very funny line. I love how Martin delivered it. Thanks for posting this.

[Ant-Lox]

Oh yeah, I love it too. Martin delivers it the best.

[Schmoopie]

Martin is awesome but honestly I don't' remember him saying this. The phrase of his that comes to mind is "Oh geez..."

[bingbangbaby]

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Martin is awesome but honestly I don't' remember him saying this. The phrase of his that comes to mind is "Oh geez..."

After seeing this topic, I paid attention, and actually every one of the five main characters said it at least once except Daphne. I don't think Daphne said it in the entire series. Off the top of my head, I remember Roz said it to John Glenn in the episode he was in, and I remember seeing her say it in another episode too. Martin said it to Frasier at some point (Why'd ya do it son?!) and I believe he said it to Niles too. The rest of the times I'll have to come back here and add when I see them again.